S.1451, An Act relative to payments in lieu of taxation of organizations exempt from the property tax

Senator Brownsberger has recently submitted the following testimony on S.1451, An Act relative to payments in lieu of taxation of organizations exempt from the property tax:

TO:                  Joint Committee on Revenue

FROM:             Senator William N. Brownsberger

RE:                   S.1451

DATE:              May 12th, 2015

­I am writing in support of S.1451, An Act relative to payments in lieu of taxation of organizations exempt from the property tax.

This bill will give municipalities the option to receive payments in lieu of taxes from organizations that are currently tax exempt. The contribution will be based on the real and personal property held in a given city or town. The rate will be at a significant discount relative to the property tax rate and provide municipalities with additional support for the services provided in the given towns. Currently, municipalities with property held by tax exempt organizations are required to raise needed revenue from the remaining residents and businesses located therein.

This bill will allow cities and towns across the Commonwealth to receive contributions from all residents for the services provided. I hope the committee will report S.1541 favorably.

Andrew Bettinelli
Legislative Aide
Office of State Senator William N. Brownsberger